General Discussion

Chris Avell is an American pastor and community leader based in Bryan, Ohio. He is best known as the founder and senior pastor of Dad's Place Church, which operates a 24/7 outreach ministry permitting overnight stays for unhoused persons. His pastoral and social work became subject to national scrutiny following a protracted legal dispute between the church and the City of Bryan from 2023 to 2025 over zoning, fire-code compliance, and religious-freedom claims.[1]

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During 2023–2025, Avell became publicly known for the legal disputes surrounding his ministry.

Dropped charges and federal suit

Following the church’s expansion to 24/7 outreach, the City of Bryan initially filed multiple code and zoning-violation charges against Avell and Dad's Place Church. In February 2024, the city dismissed all those earlier criminal charges as part of settlement talks.[6] On January 22, 2024, the church and Avell filed a federal civil lawsuit against the City of Bryan, alleging that enforcement actions burdened Avell’s religious exercise.[5]

Conviction and sentence stay

On January 21, 2025, Avell was found guilty in Bryan Municipal Court of a misdemeanor fire-code violation related to the church’s overnight use. He was fined $200 and given a 60-day suspended jail sentence, which the court stayed to allow appeal.[7][8]

In February 2025, a state appeals court stayed the sentence pending appeal.[9][10]

Dismissal of federal case and ongoing appeals

In September 2025, the federal lawsuit filed by Avell and Dad’s Place was dismissed by mutual agreement. Under the agreement, the church would seek required permits and the city would pause certain enforcement pending resolution of state appeals.[11][5]

Meanwhile, appeals involving Bryan’s zoning and fire-code decisions, and Avell’s criminal conviction, continued in Ohio’s Sixth District Court of Appeals.[5]

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